Overview of the Desktop

The desktop lies behind all other components on the screen. When no windows
are visible, the desktop is that part of the screen between the
top and bottom panels. You can place files and folders on the desktop,
of which you want to have easy access.

By default, the following icons are visible on the desktop:

Computer icon – Provides access to CDs, removable media such as floppy disks, and also the entire file system (also known as the root file system). By default, you do not have security permissions to read other users' files or edit system files.

Home folder – Where all the personal files of the user are stored. You can also open this folder from the Places menu.

Trash – Contains files and folders you no longer need. For more information about using Trash, see Using Trash.

When you insert a CD, a flash drive, or any other removable
media, an icon representing this device appears on the desktop.

To view the desktop by minimizing all windows, perform one of the
following actions:

Click the Show Desktop button.

Press Ctrl+Alt+D.

Alternatively, you can switch to another workspace to see the desktop.

You can change the color of the desktop background or the image
displayed. For more information about how to change the desktop background, see Desktop Background Preferences.

Note - The files and folders on the desktop are stored in a special
folder called Desktop, within the Home folder. The contents of the Desktop folder is
displayed on the desktop.